“I can write romance better than you. No you can’t. Yes I can. No you can’t. Yes I can!
And so it goes when Baptist Georgia peach Toreas Rose and talk show host Jared Stone collide. Author Dyanne Davis keeps the fire going in “The Critic,” her latest romance novel.
The two characters are a study in contrast: Torese is trying to be as pure as the driven snow, hiding behind baggy clothes and her father’s sermons, while temporarily living away from home in Chicago. She has running conversations with God about what she considers her sins. She writes romance stories, yet is afraid to show desire in real life. Jared Stone is straightforward with more than his share of testosterone, worldliness, and good looks. He comes to Chicago from L.A. to do a local TV talk show. He is angry with romance writers and insults them on TV.
Jared blames romance writers for his girlfriend’s unrealistic view of life that causes her to dump him. He told Torese that anyone could write a romance story, says they are written in fixed formulas. Torese challenges him, and then the fun begins. How do you research for a romance story? I’ll let Torese and Jared tell you.
Dyanne Davis builds her characters with mental thoughts, narration, and lively dialogue. I enjoyed the read and laughed through each chapter. “The Critic” is a well-written, delightful, entertaining read. I suggest you take it to the beach this summer, on your vacation or simply enjoy it at home. I enjoyed it at home.
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